Callum Smith signs contract for Dmitry Bivol title fight

Callum Smith has signed a contract to challenge unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol in a title bout. The fight is planned for December 12 in Ekaterinburg, Russia, according to RCC Boxing Promotions.

Smith, the WBO interim champion and mandatory challenger, seeks to become a two-weight world champion. The matchup follows prolonged negotiations and potential complications regarding the WBO sanctioning the bout in Russia. RCC Boxing CEO German Titov confirmed that the necessary documents have been signed and the event is expected to proceed as planned.

For Bivol, the fight fulfills a mandatory title obligation before potential future matchups, such as a trilogy with Artur Beterbiev. While the December 12 date has been announced by the promoter, it remains provisional pending final confirmation.